A neighbourhood favourite, Rucola is a little slice of bella Italia right in the Estonian capital. Light streams through the windows into the largely warm white space, glinting off the wine bottles that line the shelves, catching the gold of a picture frame here, absorbed by the leaf of a deep green plant there. The space glows. It’s a place that was designed to welcome guests with open arms. As was the menu.

Embracing the ethos of using the freshest ingredients, served in a simple, simply wonderful way, the menu at Rucola is Italian in both substance and soul. The pizzas here are made fresh and baked in a wood-fired oven, topped with everything from mozzarella di bufala and artichokes to Spianata Romana salami. Ciabatta is freshly baked, and pasta is silky soft, with just the right hint of bite. Fresh tomatoes abound on bruschetta. Mediterranean vegetables are stirred through creamy risotto. And no matter how full you might be, you always have to leave room for dessert; after all, when freshly-made gelato is on offer, you can’t say no. Unless, of course, tiramisu or panna cotta is more the order of the day. You can’t really go wrong.

End with an espresso and sit back, sated, to enjoy the bustle of this popular spot. Or reach for the wine list again. Rucola’s offerings run the international gamut, with New and Old World bottles to choose from, as well as spirits like limoncello and grappa, which are sure to round off any meal at Rucola nicely. Buon appetito!